Crimea parliament declares independence from Ukraine

SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine - Following the results of Crimean parliament's referendum on Sunday which showed that 96 percent of voters favoured joining Russia, the parliament formally declared its independence from Ukraine on Monday.

The parliament of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea issued a declaration of independence, calling on the U.N. and the international community to recognize the self-proclaimed state, founded by "the people of Crimea."

Some Crimeans went to the polls Sunday in a referendum denounced by the international community and Ukraine as "illegal." Moscow has steadfastly backed the vote, calling it legitimate and in line with international legal standards.

With 100 percent of the votes counted, Crimea's Referendum Commission Chair Mikhail Malyshev announced Monday morning that 96.77 percent of the electorate had voted in favor of joining the Russian Federation.